Saturday, March 27, 2010

I really enjoy the challenge of a custom order. Matching requested colours, combining my style with the customer's style.

This one is for a little girl with big blue eyes. The cute fabric for her dress is from Retro Mummy.
I have to tell you about the hair. The customer requested a "deep honey" colour which was somewhat challenging to find. At The Craft Circle I found this handspun wool that has the most gorgeous
warm, earthy tones of brown and gold. It suits the doll's warm skin most beautifully.

Alright, enough gushing about dolls!
On the home front I've had 2 sick children this week so not a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to next week doing Easter crafts and preparation. Easter is such a special time, I love the closing of Lent, the beautiful Masses of Holy Week and the joyous celebration of Our Lord's resurrection.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

I heard about The Craft Circle from another doll maker recently and was naturally very keen to check it out. The shop is run by Juliette and is situated in Kingsville. She has all sorts of natural materials (the fleece selection is to die for!) for doll making, felting and knitting as well as hand made items. She is a really lovely person to talk to and I was very impressed when she pulled out a mat and basket full of hand made toys for my daughter to play with while I browsed all the lovelies. If you're in the western suburbs of Melbourne it's well worth a visit, Juliette is happy to order in anything she doesn't have in stock.

How many times have you gone to the fridge to use the tomato paste only to find some unwanted fuzzies on top because you haven't used any for a while? I wasted a lot of tomato paste until I came across this tip:

After opening your jar and using the tomato paste pour a layer of olive oil on top and evenly distribute. Replace the lid. The next time you use the tomato paste there will be a layer of solidified oil that is white, don't worry - it's only oil, just use the paste as normal. Do this after each use. Tomato paste lasts for absolutely ages in the fridge using this trick.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The garden was fairly dry when we left but apparently Melbourne had a lot of rain and we've come back to a jungle - like backyard complete with giant zucchinis. The one at the front weighed in at 2.9 kilograms!! Unfortunately they're not really edible at this size (I've tried!)

I'm working on a few things at the moment. Actually, I just want to plonk myself in front of the sewing machine after my week away, but there is so much else that needs my attention! I'm hoping to finish off a new doll this week, start on a custom order and organise myself for the Crafty Mamas get together on Friday where I'll be teaching doll making for the first time (gulp).

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

That's me half way up a sand dune, full of energy, breathing that gorgeous fresh air blowing right off the ocean.

What a stunningly beautiful place.

Going away from home has added fuel to the fire. We feel suffocated in the suburbs, we don't want to bring our children up here. We're racking our brains as to how we can afford to get back to the country. We need open space, fresh air and clean land. We'll get there somehow, God willing.

Gill had a post some time ago now about the fact that so many would visit her blog yet so few would bother to leave a comment. There are many reasons for this happening - people don't have time to comment, they're not interested enought to comment, they don't care enough to comment....

So, for today I would love for you who lurk here to stop and introduce yourselves. Whenever I get a comment from an unfamiliar blogger I go to check out their blog too. Even if you're visiting for the first time today, a quick Hi! would make my day.

And thanks so much to those who do comment here regularly, you make me feel it's all worth it :)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

As promised, this is how to make yoghurt cheese or spread from your home made yoghurt (see last post).

You need a piece of muslin (I think it's known as cheesecloth elsewhere), a rubber band, and a bowl or roundish container.

Place the muslin in a double layer over the bowl and secure around the rim with a rubber band. Spoon in the yoghurt. Place on a plate (the muslin takes up a lot of liquid). Stick it in the fridge. The length of time you leave it for is up to you. If you want it spread consistency a few hours will do it. If you want it thicker you can leave it overnight.When it's really thick you can roll it into balls, coat with herbs, paprika and the like and keep in good olive oil in the fridge.You can use it to spread on bread (home made of course!!) then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.You can use it in place of sour cream, make a dip - the uses are only limited by your imagination.

Monday, March 1, 2010

I certainly don't consider myself an authority on making dolls, but here are a few tips that experience (and repetition) have taught me:

* Wash your hands thoroughly before starting. This may seem obvious but even the natural oil from your skin can affect your skin fabric, remember - your doll will have been held a lot before she is completed!

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